FREDERICTON – Ten-digit dialing and area code 428 will be arriving in New Brunswick next year.
The new area code will provide relief for area code 506 in New Brunswick beginning November 21, 2020 using a distributed overlay, meaning the two area codes will coexist and will cover the same geographic area.
The ever-growing use of communications services is driving the increase in demand for phone numbers in the region, which means 10-digit local dialing will be required for all wireline and wireless local calls. Residents will be transitioned to 10-digit local dialing beginning August 13, 2020.
A group of major Canadian telecommunications companies known as the Telecommunications Alliance is leading a public awareness campaign to inform residents and business customers across the province about local 10-digit dialing and the new area code.
"Most regions in Canada have already transitioned to local 10-digit dialing and we are confident these changes will be seamless for residents and businesses in New Brunswick," said Canadian Numbering Administrator GM Edward Antecol, in the news release. "In order to ensure a successful transition, we recommend that people start reprogramming their equipment for 10-digit local dialing now, as most telecommunications companies are already able to support 10-digit dialed calls. By adopting 10-digit dialing early, residents and businesses will be well-prepared by August 2020."
